The first set of auxiliary officers in British Columbia has graduated in Kelowna.
After months of training, a group of 14 RCMP auxiliary volunteers graduated from their Tier 1 training on Tuesday night, Mar. 10. This means the group is set to start volunteering later this month.
According to the Kelowna RCMP, “Tier 1 Auxiliary volunteers are a valuable asset.” They help strengthen the community and police partnerships, as well as performing non-enforcement community policing and crime prevention activities such as:
- Safety talks and education activities (Business “Knock&Talks”);
- Participate in Watch programs such as Speed Watch;
- Offer non-enforcement support to police operations;
- Attend community and special events;
- Participate in public ceremonies;
- Assist in searching for a missing person.
“Today marks an exciting milestone for the City of Kelowna and the Kelowna RCMP as we officially launch the Tier 1 Auxiliary Program with our first group of trained auxiliaries,” said Kelowna RCMP officer in charge Supt. Chris Goebel. “These dedicated volunteers have committed their time, skills, and energy to support community safety, and we are incredibly proud to welcome them into this important role. As part of their continued development, this group will progress through ongoing training towards Tier 3. Their commitment strengthens our partnership with the people of Kelowna and supports our shared goal of building a safer community.”
Before Tier 3, the volunteers will make their way through Tier 2 training.
One of the graduates in the program, Ethan Laferdy, has a full-time job as an RCMP dispatcher and wants to commit to continuing to keep Kelowna safe.
“I joined the Auxiliary Program to become closer to our community and gain further knowledge in law enforcement,” said Laferdy. “Protecting our community isn’t just my job, it’s my calling, whether behind the radio as a dispatcher or on the street.”
The auxiliary training program was suspended in Kelowna in April of 2020. In a Kelowna City Council meeting on Feb. 27, 2024, Inspector Beth McAndie confirmed the return of the program, which was also announced by the provincial government. Since November 2024, the RCMP have been reviewing, interviewing, and hiring applicants. On Nov. 8, 2024, Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas said the city applied for the pilot community program in 2023.
“The Auxiliary Program was one of the seven recommendations that came forward from the Mayor’s Task Force on Crime Reduction, and Council and I are pleased to see this important step taken to strengthen community policing and support the work of the RCMP,” said Dyas in the Kelowna RCMP’s Mar. 11 press release. “I want to congratulate this first group of volunteers for stepping forward to serve their community. Public safety is a top priority for Council, and the auxiliary program will enhance crime prevention efforts while helping build stronger connections between residents and local law enforcement.”
The Kelowna RCMP are continuing to look for auxiliary volunteers. Anyone who is interested must attend a recruiting information session first, then submit an application. Following the process, applicants will be interviewed, put through fitness testing, and then receive training both in the classroom and the field. To get the process started or learn more, visit the RCMP Auxiliary program website or email e_kelowna_auxiliary@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.